The study found trends that suggest HRT escalates the development or chances of a woman contracting or exasperating several terminal and life threatening disease.  WHI concluded that hormone replacement therapy INCREASES the chances of heart disease, stroke, heart attack, blood clots and breast cancer.

Six million women in the United States are currently on HRT. HRT is a medically supervised treatment using synthetic hormone cocktails to alleviate menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms. The most common medications prescribed are Premarin (0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogen) alone or combined with Prempro (progesterone 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate). These are created from which are derivatives extracted from horses and cattle, then manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. Currently healthcare providers and patients are advised that these synthetic hormones benefit patients by reducing short-term symptoms including hot flashes, long term complications of heart disease and sexual dysfunction. Until July 2002, this therapy was seen to be low risk and beneficial to most women. TOP

The study in question followed 16,608 women ages 50-79 years beginning in 1993-1995 all with uteruses in tact.  The study was to conclude in 2005.  May 31, 2002 the group monitoring risks among the participants convened after discovering drastic differences in rates of various cancers and other risk factors between the study group and the control group. Due to the documented instances of complications, specifically the increase in breast cancer the study was immediately terminated and a notice was sent to the public at large. TOP

What were the findings of the study?

Specific study findings for the estrogen plus progestin group compared to placebo include:

• 200% increase in blood clots to the lungs

• 41% increase in strokes

• 37% increase in colorectal cancer

• 29% increase in heart attacks

• 26% increase in invasive breast cancer

• 22% increase in cardiovascular disease

• Positive results from the study showed

• 24% reduction in total fractures

• 33% reduction in hip fracture rates.

Investigators determined the risks (cancer, heart disease, stroke) far outweighed any benefits (lower instances of osteoporosis and higher bone density) from combination hormone therapy. TOP

Jacques Rossouw M.D., acting director of the WHI stressed the importance of understanding how the risk to an individual woman can be low, but the risk to the population at large can be great.